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President Biden on Overdose Awareness Week 2024

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WASHINGTON – During Overdose Awareness Week, we mourn those who have lost their lives to overdose deaths. We acknowledge the devastating toll the opioid epidemic has taken on individuals, families, and communities across America. We reflect on the progress we have made so far in reducing the number of annual overdose deaths and protecting American lives — and how much more there is to do. And we reaffirm our commitment to doing more to disrupt the supply of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids and support those who suffer with substance use disorder and their families in all of our communities.

My Administration made beating the opioid epidemic a key priority in my Unity Agenda for the Nation, calling for Republicans and Democrats to work together to stop fentanyl from flowing into our communities, hold those who brought it here accountable, and deliver life-saving medication and care across America.

We are working to tackle this crisis through a comprehensive approach, including by expanding access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support services as well as reducing the supply of illicit drugs. We have expanded access to life-saving treatments, like medications to treatopioid use disorder, and have increased the number of health care providers who can prescribe these medications by 15 times. In February 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule to comprehensively update the regulations in governing Opioid Treatment Programs for the first time in 20 years — removing barriers to the treatment of substance use disorder and expanding access to care. My Administration has made historic investments in the State Opioid Response and Tribal Opioid Response programs to improve prevention; expand treatment; and deliver free, life-saving medicationsacross America. Already, this program has delivered nearly 10 million kits of opioid overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone.

We also continue to fight the stigmatization that surrounds substance use and accidental overdose so that people feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need it. Naloxone is now available over-the-counter for people to purchase at their local grocery stores and pharmacies. We also launched the White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose and severalawareness campaigns, raising awareness andsecuring commitments from local governments and cross-sector organizations to increase training on and access to opioid overdose reversal medications in schools, worksites, transit systems, and other places where overdose may occur in our communities. My Fiscal Year 2025 Budget requests $22 billion to expand substance use treatment and help more Americans achieve and stay in recovery.

Under my Administration, Federal law enforcement agents are keeping more deadly drugs out of our communities than ever before. We are seizing deadly drugs at our borders so that illicit drugs never reach our neighborhoods. Officials have stopped more illicit fentanyl at ports of entry over the last 2 fiscal years than in the previous 5 fiscal years combined. The Department of Justice has prosecuted leaders of the world’s largest and most powerful drug cartel along with thousands of drug traffickers. The Department of the Treasury has sanctioned more than 300 people and organizations involved in the global illicit drug trade. I have also deployed cutting-edge drug detection technology across our southwest border, and I continue to call on the Congress to strengthen border security, increase penalties on those who bring deadly drugs into our communities, and close loopholes that drug traffickers exploit. And in July 2024, I issued a National Security Memorandum that calls on all relevant Federal departments and agencies to work collaboratively to do even more than they are already doing to stop the supply of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids into our country.

I am also committed to working with partners across the globe to address this crisis. Last year, I negotiated the re-launch of counternarcotics cooperation between the United States and the People’s Republic of China — which has led to increased law enforcement coordination, increased efforts to tackle illicit financing of drug cartels, and increased regulation of certain precursor chemicals. I have increased counternarcotics cooperation with other key foreign governments; launched the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, which brings together more than 150 countries in the fight against drug trafficking cartels; put in place new initiatives between the United States, Mexico, and Canada targeting the supply of illicit drugs; and made countering fentanyl and other synthetic opioids a key priority of the G7.

Now for the first time in 5 years, the number of overdose deaths in the United States has started to decline. But even one death is one too many, and far too many Americans continue to lose loved ones to fentanyl.

Today I grieve with all the families and friends who have lost someone to an overdose. This is a time to act. And this is a time to stand together — for all those we have lost and all the lives we can still save.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 25 through August 31, 2024, as Overdose Awareness Week. I call upon citizens, government agencies, civil society organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise awareness of substance use disorder so that our Nation can combat stigmatization, promote treatment, celebrate recovery, and strengthen our collective efforts to prevent overdose deaths. August 31 also marks Overdose Awareness Day, on which we honor and remember those who have lost their lives to the overdose epidemic.

​ IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

 

​​​​​​JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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US NATIONAL NEWS

“Rep. Maxwell Frost Condemns Trump for Shutting Down White House Gun Violence Prevention Office”

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WASHINGTON (FNN) – Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) expressed outrage as President Donald Trump’s administration swiftly dismantled the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) within 24 hours of taking office. The OGVP, established by the Biden-Harris Administration in 2023 after significant advocacy by Frost, was a critical initiative aimed at addressing America’s gun violence crisis.

The OGVP provided federal leadership in responding to mass shootings, connecting municipalities with vital resources for victims, and implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The office’s accomplishments included distributing millions in federal grants, such as $1.5 million to the City of Orlando’s Community Violence Intervention Program. Frost criticized Trump’s decision as a significant step backward in the fight to protect communities from gun violence.

In his statement, Frost emphasized the bipartisan need for gun reform:
“Donald Trump’s reckless decision to close the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is a betrayal of the American people. This office was saving lives, not playing politics. We need leaders on both sides of the aisle to prioritize the safety of our communities. The fight for common-sense gun reform is far from over.”

Impact of Ending the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention:
The closure of OGVP signals a troubling shift in federal priorities. Without a central office to coordinate responses to mass shootings and gun violence, victims and communities may face delays in accessing critical resources. Federal grants for community violence intervention programs could be slashed, stalling progress in violence prevention efforts. The decision also halts federal oversight of initiatives such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, leaving a gap in addressing the growing epidemic of gun violence.

What’s Next?
Congressman Maxwell Frost has vowed to lead the charge in reestablishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. He plans to work with advocacy groups, local governments, and bipartisan leaders to pass new legislation ensuring a federal response to gun violence remains a priority. Frost urges Americans to contact their representatives to demand action and support initiatives aimed at protecting communities from gun-related tragedies.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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US NATIONAL NEWS

President Trump Declares New “Golden Age” for America with Sweeping Executive Orders

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President Donald Trump holds up the letter that former President Joe Biden left for him in the desk as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)
President Donald Trump holds up the letter that former President Joe Biden left for him in the desk as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – On the historic day of his second inauguration, President Donald J. Trump wasted no time delivering on his promises to the American people. Declaring the beginning of a new “Golden Age,” the 47th President signed a series of sweeping executive orders aimed at transforming energy, immigration, government accountability, and national security policies.

President Trump Ushers in a New Era of American Greatness with Day One Executive Orders

Day One: A Legacy of Action
President Trump emphasized his commitment to reversing policies from the previous administration and implementing bold reforms to restore America’s global standing and economic prosperity.

Energy Independence Revived

President Trump fulfilled key campaign promises by launching a national energy emergency, lifting restrictive regulations, and reopening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for energy development. He also ended the Biden administration’s electric vehicle mandate and paused offshore wind projects, declaring these actions necessary to unlock America’s full energy potential.

“With today’s actions, we’re bringing energy costs down for hardworking families and restoring our nation’s energy independence,” President Trump announced during his speech.

Securing America’s Borders

Trump made border security a cornerstone of his campaign and wasted no time in addressing immigration policies. His executive orders reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, resumed border wall construction, and designated international cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, he halted refugee admissions and closed loopholes to end “birth tourism” and catch-and-release policies.

“America’s borders will no longer be wide open,” Trump asserted. “We will protect our citizens, prioritize safety, and ensure that immigration laws serve the interests of our country.”

Draining the Swamp

In an aggressive push to reform government, President Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut waste and streamline operations. He also reinstated merit-based hiring practices and signed an order to root out corruption by making it easier to fire underperforming federal employees.

“Today, we begin the process of taking back control of our government and holding it accountable to the American people,” Trump declared.

Restoring American Values and Sovereignty

Key executive orders targeted cultural and foreign policy shifts. President Trump reinstated the death penalty for drug dealers and human traffickers, declared the United States would officially recognize only two genders, and renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

On foreign policy, he renewed his America First trade agenda and redirected foreign aid to align with U.S. interests and values.

“Our policies will always put America first,” President Trump said, reiterating his focus on prioritizing the welfare of American citizens.

President Trump’s Executive Orders Kickstart a Bold Vision for America’s Future

The sweeping reforms enacted by President Trump on his first day in office signal a dramatic shift in national priorities. His decisive actions aim to bolster the economy, secure the border, restore traditional values, and dismantle bureaucracy.

As President Trump stated, “This is just the beginning. Together, we will bring about an era of unmatched greatness for our nation.”

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Nerwork
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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NASA’s Day of Remembrance Honors Fallen Heroes of Exploration

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NASA will observe its annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 23, honoring the members of the NASA family who lost their lives in the pursuit of exploration and discovery for benefit of humanity. The event, traditionally held every year on the fourth Thursday of January, remembers the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.

“On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to reflect on the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of the extraordinary individuals who pushed the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free. “Their legacies remind us of the profound responsibility we have to carry their dreams forward while ensuring safety remains our guiding principle.”

Free will lead an observance at 1 p.m. EST at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by observances for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews.

Several agency centers also will hold observances for NASA Day of Remembrance:

Johnson Space Center in Houston

NASA Johnson will hold a commemoration at 10 a.m. CST at the Astronaut Memorial Grove with remarks by Center Director Vanessa Wyche. The event will have a moment of silence, a NASA T-38 flyover, taps performed by the Texas A&M Squadron 17, and a procession placing flowers at Apollo I, Challenger, and Columbia memorial trees.

Kennedy Space Center in Florida

NASA Kennedy and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation will host a ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy’s Visitor Complex at 10 a.m. EST. The event will include remarks from Tal Ramon, son of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, space shuttle Columbia.

Kelvin Manning, deputy director at NASA Kennedy, also will provide remarks during the ceremony, which will livestream on the center’s Facebook page.

Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley

NASA Ames will hold a remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. PST that includes remarks from Center Director Eugene Tu, a moment of silence, and bell ringing commemoration.

Glenn Research Center in Cleveland

NASA Glenn will observe Day of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 28, with remarks from Center Director Jimmy Kenyon followed by wreath placement, moment of silence, and taps at Lewis Field​.

Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia

NASA Langley will hold a remembrance ceremony with Acting Center Director Dawn Schaible followed by placing flags at the Langley Workers Memorial.

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama

NASA Marshall will hold a candle-lighting ceremony and wreath placement at 9:30 a.m. CST. The ceremony will include remarks from Larry Leopard, associate director, and Bill Hill, director of Marshall’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance.

Stennis Space Flight Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

NASA Stennis and the NASA Shared Services Center will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at 9 a.m. CST with remarks from Center Director John Bailey and Anita Harrell, NASA Shared Services Center executive director.

The agency also is paying tribute to its fallen astronauts with special online content, updated on NASA’s Day of Remembrance, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/dor/

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